Palace denies gov't using spy gadgets vs opposition

MANILA, Philippines - Malacañang said on Thursday the government acquired a multi-million peso spy equipment but not to monitor the opponents of the Aquino administration.

Presidential Communications Sec. Sonny Coloma said according to the Department of National Defense (DND), the procured equipment was part of the modernization program of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

He said the equipment "will be used primarily in the campaign against terrorism."

The Palace official said from the time that the Aquino administration took office, the Department of National Defense "has made a priority to ensure the professionalization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines."

"Hence, the references to past misdeeds such as the Hello Garci incident are things of the past," Coloma said.

According to previous reports, Navotas Rep. Toby Tiangco claimed that the administration is into purchasing of spy equipment aimed at its opponents.

Coloma challenged Tiangco and other critics of the administration to prove their allegations.

"Dapat naman sa lahat ng pahayag ang batayan ay konkretong datos at kongretong katibayan at hindi tayo gagagawa ng mga pahayag na wala namang matibay na batayan," Coloma said.